The best things to do in Columbia

“Whether you’ve got a sliver of daylight or want a low-stress tune-up, Carroll Park Golf Course serves up a breezy 9 that’s easy to squeeze in, plus FootGolf if the squad wants to mix it up. Bonus, this place carries serious Baltimore history from the city’s desegregation era.”

From the Baltimore newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Skip the long drive, this neighborhood mini waterpark packs a fun slide and a splash pad that keep the kids busy while you actually finish a chapter of your book. Swansfield Mini WaterPark is the quick, close-to-home cool-down your weekday brain will thank you for.”

From the Columbia newsletter, August 5, 2026

“FSK Unity Mural turns the Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School wall into a burst of student-powered color, designed around unity, diversity, and joy. Created through workshops and a giant paint-by-numbers mural cloth process, it’s worth a slow neighborhood stroll this week to soak up the feel-good energy.”

“Merriweather Post Pavilion has that sweet lawn and bandshell combo locals love, plus a calendar stacking everything from "Weird Al" with Puddles Pity Party to Thomas Rhett, Zac Brown Band, and All Things Go Music Festival. Grab a blanket, rally a friend, and let your week sound better.”

“Par-72 course amid mature trees & a driving range, a pro shop & a clubhouse with a restaurant/bar.”

“Relaxed, family-run golf simulator center featuring moving floors, a bar and lessons.”

“Dinner theater in which audience members try to solve a murder mystery.”

“Luxurious venue for first-run films, with tasty snacks and drinks, plus comfortable seats, some of which recline.”

“Golf course with hilly terrain and a peaceful atmosphere, also featuring an elevated view of the city.”

“Clean movie theater featuring plush seating, a bar and a concession stand, plus validation for parking.”

“Casual community pool with diving boards, a twisty slide, and a splash pad.”

“Relaxed resort featuring 36 holes of championship golf, two 18-hole courses and a pro shop.”

“Members-only country club hosting events, weddings, and holiday parties, plus bowling.”

“Grand 1939 theater, plus 3 modern cinemas, showing both Hollywood blockbusters & indie films.”

“Kid-friendly restaurant and entertainment complex featuring pizza, arcade games and bowling, plus laser tag.”

“This long-running 18-hole golf course once hosted Arnold Palmer & features a pro shop.”

“Rolling hills, trees, and streams form the backdrop at this public course with a driving range.”

“Monster-themed mini-golf chain featuring a glow-in-the-dark indoor course, plus arcade games & a DJ.”

“Historic movie theater featuring curated films, locally sourced concessions & a bar-lounge.”

“Maryland Film Festival host specializing in first-run independent & foreign film showings.”

“Simple, modern outpost offering a variety of themed escape rooms with imaginative puzzles for teams.”

“World Trade Center's 27th-floor observation tower with 360-degree views of the city & harbor.”

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“Wooded pay and play 18-hole golf course with a clubhouse, pro shop & driving range.”

“Well-maintained public golf course featuring 2 courses, woodlands, and a putting and chipping area.”